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As I walk into the room, Lamine Camara grabs a football he won’t let go of throughout our chat. This serves as a powerful symbol for a dream he has never let slip. “I only wanted the beautiful game; I was focused solely on that,” states this Monaco and Senegal playmaker.

His resolve and raw talent won over teams such as Génération Foot, Metz and Monaco. Yet, the most difficult person to convince didn't come from a club executive or coach, but his own father. “He didn’t want me to play football but it’s because he hadn’t seen me play,” says Camara.

Surmounting Early Hurdles

In time, on “one beautiful day,” Camara earned his father’s blessing to chase his career in the sport. A further barrier was his modest frame, which discouraged his hometown team Casa Sports from giving him a deal.

However, the famed academy – the institution that produced talents including Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé and Ismaïla Sarr – saw his potential instantly. After he earned the MVP in a local competition, the scouts were “shocked” to learn he was without a contract. They acted quickly. “I was taken straight to the academy. They prevented me from going back to Casamance,” he recalled.

A Landmark Season and Continental Breakthrough

This move put him on a pathway to Europe. A defining period came in 2023, “a year to remember,” which began with Camara winning the CHAN trophy. Shortly after, despite fatigue, he played in the U-20 Africa Cup, guiding his nation to the title and earning player of the tournament.

A month later, he was unveiled as FC Metz, following in the footsteps of Mané. “Adapting was never a problem,” says the 21-year-old. He has lived alone in Europe, a choice his relatives encourage to maintain his concentration.

Inspiration and Playing Style

Distractions aren't a problem for Camara, who draws inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne’s “modesty” and exceptional skills. Additionally, he's a big admirer of players like Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, and his Senegal colleague Idrissa Gana Gueye.

His ball striking and precision from set pieces are notable assets. Camara confesses a need to temper his aggression, after being shown red at the start of his tenures at both Metz and Monaco. “It is a habit I carry with me!” he jokes.

Monaco, Teammates and Future Ambitions

At Monaco, he cherishes learning from veterans such as Denis Zakaria and especially Paul Pogba. “When I heard Monaco were interested in Pogba, I told myself we are fortunate,” Camara noted.

Right now, his focus is firmly on the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. “We are the team to beat – we can’t hide from that. If you beat England in their own country…,” he says, referencing a memorable 3-1 victory in Nottingham.

Regarding a future move to the English top flight, he is committed to Monaco for now. “I am very at ease here,” he affirms. He is often ribbed by icon El-Hadji Diouf about his two Best Young Player awards. He laughs, but is serious about targeting the senior Africa Player of the Year down the line.

“The pressure is on us – we can’t hide from that. Having beaten England at Wembley… it gives you confidence.”

Looking ahead, this talented midfielder blends a modest start, unwavering focus, and grand ambitions as he aims to guide Senegal to Afcon success and build his own lasting legacy in the world of football.